Moana (2016)

Moana (2016) is a captivating Disney animated adventure film that sets sail on a high-seas adventure filled with stunning animation, memorable music, and a powerful coming-of-age story. The film whisks audiences away to the vibrant world of Polynesia, where Moana, the spirited daughter of a chief, longs to explore the vast ocean beyond the safety of her reef. However, a mysterious darkness threatens her island, endangering her people.

Fueled by a deep connection to the sea and a yearning for adventure, Moana defies tradition and embarks on a daring voyage to become a master wayfinder. To save her people, she must find the demigod Maui, a once-mighty being who possesses the power to restore the heart of Te Fiti, a benevolent goddess who maintains the balance of life.

Moana’s journey is fraught with challenges. She encounters treacherous storms, mythical creatures, and the ever-present danger of the ocean itself. Maui, initially reluctant to help Moana, eventually joins her on this epic quest. Despite their contrasting personalities – Moana, determined and resourceful, and Maui, arrogant and prideful – they form an unlikely alliance.

As Moana and Maui journey across the sea, they face trials that test their courage and force them to confront their inner demons. Moana grapples with self-doubt, questioning her ability to succeed in this seemingly impossible task. Maui, burdened by past mistakes, must learn to overcome his ego and rediscover his heroic spirit.

Through their shared experiences, Moana and Maui learn valuable lessons about teamwork, trust, and the importance of one’s heritage. Moana discovers the strength and leadership qualities she never knew she possessed, while Maui learns the importance of humility and redemption.

Packed with humor, heart, and stunning visuals, Moana celebrates the importance of following one’s dreams and embracing the power within. The film’s vibrant animation brings the Polynesian world to life, from the lush beauty of the island to the vast expanse of the open ocean. The film’s music, composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa’i, is a delightful blend of Polynesian-inspired rhythms and contemporary pop sensibilities, with songs that have become instant classics.

Movie Details:

Genre: Animated, Musical, Fantasy, Adventure

PG Rated

Director: Ron Clements and John Musker

Release Name: Moana

Tagline: “Adventure is calling. Will you answer?”

Audio Language(s): English, Hawaiian, Te Reo Māori, Tokelauan

Runtime: 1 hour and 47 minutes

Filming Locations: Not applicable (Animation)

Release Date: November 23, 2016 (USA)

Starring: Auliʻi Cravalho (Moana), Dwayne Johnson (Maui), Rachel House (Te Kā), Jemaine Clement (Tamatoa), Temuera Morrison (Chief Tui), Nicole Scherzinger (Sina)

Box Office: $687.2 million

Production Company: Walt Disney Animation Studios

Trailer: You can find the official trailer for Moana on Youtube:

Other Interesting Facts:

Moana is the first Disney princess film to be inspired by Polynesian mythology.

The filmmakers worked closely with cultural anthropologists to ensure an authentic portrayal of Polynesian culture.

The film features several nods to classic Disney films, including nods to The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.

Moana was a critical and commercial success, receiving praise for its animation, music, story, and characters. It was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Cast

• Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana Waialiki, a brave and determined Moana who sets sail to save her people.
• Dwayne Johnson as Maui, a mischievous demigod with the power to shapeshift.
• Rachel House as Te Kā, a fiery goddess who threatens to consume the world.
• Temuera Morrison as Tui Waialiki, Moana’s protective father and chief of Motunui.
• Nicole Scherzinger as Sina Waialiki, Moana’s loving mother.
• Jemaine Clement as Tamatoa, a vain and crabby hermit crab who collects shiny things.
• Alan Tudyk as Heihei, a dimwitted rooster who is Moana’s reluctant stowaway.
• Pua as Pua, Moana’s loyal pet pig.

Crew

• Ron Clements and John Musker (Directors) – Renowned Disney animation directors known for classics like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Hercules.
• John Lasseter (Executive Producer) – Former Chief Creative Officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
• Opetaia Foa’i (Story Consultant) – A New Zealand-based cultural expert who helped ensure the film’s authenticity.
• Mark Mancina (Composer) – Award-winning composer who has scored numerous Disney films, including Tarzan and Brother Bear.
• Bill Schwab and Peter Del Vecho (Producers) – Experienced Disney producers with a long list of credits to their names.

Filming Locations

While it is an animated film, the filmmakers took inspiration from real-life locations throughout Polynesia. Research trips were conducted to islands like Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga to capture the essence of Polynesian culture, landscapes, and traditions. These inspirations are evident in the film’s stunning animation, from the lush vegetation and turquoise waters to the intricate designs of the villages and canoes.

The Soundtrack of Moana

Moana features a beautiful and vibrant soundtrack that blends traditional Polynesian music with contemporary pop influences. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of Hamilton, wrote the film’s music alongside Opetaia Foa’i. Here are some of the catchy tunes you’ll hear in Moana:

• How Far I’ll Go – Moana’s powerful anthem about following her dreams.
• We Know the Way – A stirring song sung by Moana’s ancestors.
• Shiny – Maui’s boastful song about his collection of magical hooks.
• A Place in This World – Moana’s emotional ballad about longing for adventure.
• Wreck the Halls – A fun and festive song performed by a tribe of mischievous coconut pirates.
• Maui Makes Me Laugh – A playful duet between Moana and Maui.
• Know Who You Are – A powerful song about self-discovery sung by Maui.

The Real Story Behind Moana (Fact vs. Fiction)

Moana is inspired by Polynesian myths and legends, but it’s not a direct retelling of any one story. The filmmakers wove together various tales and characters to create a unique narrative. Here’s a breakdown of fact vs. fiction:

• Fact: Polynesian voyagers were skilled navigators who sailed vast distances across the Pacific Ocean.
• Fiction: The demigod Maui, with his magical fishhook, is a fictional character, but he appears in myths from various Polynesian cultures.

Moana Box Office Performance

Moana was a commercial success, grossing over $687 million worldwide. It performed well domestically, earning $248.7 million in the U.S. and Canada. However, it truly shined internationally, bringing in $438.4 million from other countries. This strong international performance highlights the film’s universal themes and its ability to resonate with audiences from diverse backgrounds. The film’s success solidified Disney’s animation prowess and proved that audiences craved stories that celebrated different cultures.

Moana Review: Is it Worth Watching?

Moana has garnered critical acclaim and audience adoration. It’s praised for its stunning animation, catchy music, empowering story, and heartwarming characters. Here’s a glimpse into what reviewers and audiences have to say:

• Social Media Buzz:

  • “Moana is a beautiful and inspiring film! The animation is breathtaking, the music is fantastic, and the story is so much fun. I highly recommend it!” – Sarah Jones (Twitter)
  • “Moana is one of the best Disney movies in years. It’s funny, heartwarming, and empowering. My daughter loved it!” – David Miller (Facebook)
  • “The animation in Moana is next-level. The water is so realistic, it’s like you can jump right in!” – Emily Garcia (YouTube comment)

• Review Aggregators:

  • Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Fresh (with an overwhelming audience score of 96%)
  • Metacritic: 88 out of 100 (indicating universal acclaim)

Moana is undoubtedly worth watching. It’s a captivating film that offers something for everyone: stunning visuals, a delightful soundtrack, a powerful message, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a Disney fan or simply appreciate a well-crafted animated adventure, it is a must-watch.

Moana vs. Similar Movies

Moana stands out within the animated adventure genre, but it shares some similarities with other beloved films. Here’s a look at how the movie compares to five other popular titles:

• Pocahontas (1995): Both Moana and Pocahontas feature strong female leads who challenge societal expectations and connect with nature. However, Moana has a more active protagonist and a stronger focus on adventure.

• How to Train Your Dragon (2010): Both films explore themes of friendship, self-discovery, and defying expectations. However, How to Train Your Dragon has a more fantastical setting with dragons, while Moana is rooted in Polynesian mythology.

• Frozen (2013): Both Moana and Frozen feature strong female leads and beautiful animation. However, Frozen is a more traditional musical with a focus on sisterhood, while Moana is an action-adventure story with a coming-of-age theme.

• The Lion King (1994): Both Moana and The Lion King explore themes of family, responsibility, and finding your place in the world. However, The Lion King is a Shakespearean adaptation with a focus on destiny, while Moana is an original story with a focus on self-reliance.

• Spirited Away (2001): Both Moana and Spirited Away feature young heroines who embark on fantastical journeys. However, Spirited Away is a Japanese anime film with a more surreal and dreamlike quality, while Moana is a Disney film with a more grounded setting and a focus on Polynesian culture.

Where to Watch/Download Moana

Moana is available to stream on Disney+. You can also purchase or rent the digital download on various platforms like iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play. If you prefer a physical copy, Moana is available on DVD and Blu-ray.

Conclusion

Moana is a captivating animated adventure that celebrates bravery, self-discovery, and the power of following your own path. With its stunning visuals, beautiful music, and heartwarming story, Moana is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll. So, set sail with Moana and embark on an unforgettable journey – you won’t regret it!

Head over to Disney+ or your preferred platform to stream or download Moana and experience this modern Disney classic for yourself.